In Final Fantasy 16, combat takes center stage, showcasing the high-octane action and intensity that Square Enix is known for. However, the developers have managed to raise the bar even further with the exhilarating battles between Dominants and Eikons.
Although Clive Rosfield is a skilled swordsman capable of taking down many adversaries, facing off against a Dominant or an Eikon presents a whole new level of challenge. With raw power flowing through their veins, players must rely on their skills and strategic thinking to emerge victorious in Final Fantasy 16. This principle is exemplified in the epic battle against Benedikta, the Dominant of Garuda.
Chasing after Benedikta and her group of soldiers, it may seem at first that Clive and Torgal have exceeded their boundaries by confronting the Dominant of Garuda. However, as Clive starts to embrace his newfound tremendous abilities, an epic clash is set to unfold.
How to Beat Benedikta in Final Fantasy 16
First Phase
Benedikta, known as one of the most formidable individuals in Valisthea, possesses exceptional skills in swordplay and possesses the ability to wield deadly wind magic within the arena. Her formidable combat techniques and devastating attacks pose a grave threat to any unprepared opponent. Some of her attacks include:
Benedikta typically initiates encounters by launching wind projectiles. To gain an opportunity for a counterattack, it is advisable to either sidestep them or utilize dodge maneuvers.
When engaging her from a distance, it is important to be aware that she can also cast Wind Blade. This attack involves her shooting three sets of three vertical magical blades. To avoid getting hit, it is crucial to time your dodges correctly or position Clive strategically between the blades. Additionally, it is recommended to continuously unleash Charged Magic shots to inflict damage while avoiding her attacks.
In addition to her formidable ranged abilities, she is also a force to be reckoned with in close combat. Her melee combinations are relentless and relentless. After successfully evading her initial attack, it is advisable to create more distance or take a calculated gamble by either dodging or parrying in order to seize an opportunity to inflict damage.
The battle will continue in this manner until Benedikta's Will is diminished, and she becomes Staggered. Utilize those Eikonic Abilities to enhance Clive's offensive power and trigger a cutscene.
Second Phase
Recognizing the seriousness of Clive's intentions, Benedikta undergoes a transformation, harnessing the power of Garuda's Blessing. This enhanced version of Benedikta becomes more assertive, executing her moves with increased intensity and strength. Brace yourself for a more defensive stance to evade her extended combos. Moreover, she expands her repertoire by incorporating a few additional techniques.
Aero Rain observes as Benedikta perches on a pillar, then proceeds to circle the arena while unleashing clusters of magical projectiles towards Clive. To prevent any harm, it is advisable to continuously backtrack and utilize the R1 button to swiftly dodge out of harm's way. At the culmination of her attack sequence, Benedikta will dive towards Clive, so it is imperative to be prepared for this final assault.
Furthermore, Aerial Slash introduces additional magical blades into the battle, as the boss launches a series of three large slashes aimed at the player. The varying heights of these slashes can be particularly challenging, therefore it is crucial to evade both the high and middling slashes by swiftly moving aside, and to jump in order to avoid the low one.
Benedikta will also use Nosedive, where she disappears from sight and lands for an AoE attack. Avoid the targeted area and Phoenix Shift in for some quick damage.
As the battle continues, the focus remains on wearing down Benedikta's willpower and capitalizing on her weakened state. When she reaches approximately one-third of her health, a dramatic cutscene unfolds, showcasing Benedikta's formidable Rammelfall ability.
She proceeds to intensify her attack by unleashing a series of devastating moves. One of them is the Tornado spell, which unleashes swirling winds onto a specific area. This not only inflicts damage on her opponents but also hampers their vision. It is crucial to swiftly evade the spell's path while continuously launching counterattacks.
Benedikta unleashes Gathering Clouds, a devastating area-of-effect (AoE) attack. Clive must swiftly retreat to evade its wide range. Stay vigilant and avoid being caught in the path of this destructive move.
As Benedikta's life dwindles to a third, the intensity of the battle escalates further, compelling her to fight with even greater determination to maintain her dominance. The onslaught of attacks becomes swifter and more relentless, accompanied by an increase in the potency of her spells. Tornado now strikes multiple targets, Nosedive rains down in rapid succession, and the flurry of slashes becomes more frequent.
Lastly, she incorporates the Eikonic Feat, Deadly Embrace, into her strategy, unleashing Garuda's claw in an attempt to ensnare Clive. Evading her initial grasp is only the beginning, as she proceeds to deliver two additional close-range strikes that possess equal peril.
Mastering the enemy's patterns is crucial for survival in challenging battles within Final Fantasy 16. Players must carefully time their dodges, seize opportunities to unleash powerful moves such as Rising Flames and other Eikonic Abilities, and persistently attack Benedikta.
Through perseverance and determination, players will triumph over the Dominant of Garuda, earning them valuable rewards including 60 XP, 150 Ability Points, 2200 Gil, and various crafting materials. Additionally, equipping the Will of Fire accessory proves beneficial in amplifying the damage inflicted by Rising Flames. The next formidable opponent, an Eikon, awaits Clive's arrival.
Final Fantasy 16 is exclusively available for PlayStation 5.